Some desserts never go out of style, and old-fashioned chocolate fudge pie is one of them. This classic Southern favorite is the perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate filling and a flaky, buttery crust. It’s like biting into a slice of nostalgia—warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.
What makes this pie so special? It’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, yet the results are nothing short of decadent. The filling is silky, gooey, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, while the crust adds the perfect touch of crispness. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving chocolate, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
So, grab your mixing bowl and preheat that oven—it’s time to bake a pie that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
This recipe requires only a handful of basic ingredients, but the magic happens when they come together.
For the Pie Crust (or use store-bought):
- 1 ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Fudge Filling:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re making a homemade pie crust, start by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough holds together.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp them as desired. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
(Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, you can use a store-bought pie crust—no judgment here!)
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
Step 3: Make the Fudge Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. This is what gives the pie its deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, evaporated milk, and salt, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Take your prepared pie crust out of the refrigerator and pour the chocolate filling into the crust. The filling will be liquidy, but don’t worry—it will set beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This ensures a perfectly fudgy texture.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. The filling will continue to set as it cools, resulting in that signature fudge-like texture.
For the ultimate dessert experience, serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Helpful Tips for the Best Chocolate Fudge Pie
- Use room temperature eggs – This helps them mix evenly into the batter, creating a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don’t overbake! The pie should still be a little soft in the center when you take it out. It will firm up as it cools.
- For an extra chocolatey kick, stir in ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips before baking.
- If your crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to customize your pie? Here are some fun twists to try:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
- Nut Lover’s Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a Mexican chocolate-inspired twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
How do I know when my pie is done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
What’s the best way to serve this pie?
Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled—each way offers a slightly different texture and flavor!
Can I freeze chocolate fudge pie?
Absolutely! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Storage Instructions
To keep your chocolate fudge pie fresh and delicious, store it properly:
- At Room Temperature: Cover the pie and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the pie in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- In the Freezer: Wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Proper storage ensures your pie stays moist, fudgy, and delicious for days!
More Delicious Chocolate Desserts
If you loved this old-fashioned chocolate fudge pie, you might also enjoy these chocolate treats:
This old-fashioned chocolate fudge pie is the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, chocolatey, and so easy to make. Whether you enjoy it plain, with ice cream, or topped with whipped cream, every bite is pure indulgence.
So, what are you waiting for? Bake one today and treat yourself to a slice of chocolate heaven!
Happy baking!